Get More Green (Building Products, that Is)

Bring the benefits of the green building movement into your home with these eco-friendly products.

INSULATIONAccording to the National Audubon Society's energy guide, properly insulating your home can save up to $135 in energy costs per year. With concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency on the rise, some manufacturers heed the call with eco- and health-friendly options at prices often comparable to conventional insulations.

ROOFINGWhen it comes to roofing, durable, eco-friendly alternatives such as slate, metal, and composite- or recycled-material tiles deliver looks and performance.

• EcoStar's Majestic Slate Traditional tiles are a resource-friendly alternative to slate. Made from recycled plastic and rubber, the durable tiles have superior fire- and impact-resistance ratings; available in nine colors ( ecostar.carlisle.com).

• Made from 98 percent post-consumer recycled metals, Rustic Shingles mimic the look of wood shake shingles, but will never warp, crack, or mold ( classicmetalroofingsystems.com).

WINDOWS & DOORSIf you're in the market for new windows and doors, look for models with a low U-Factor (the measurement of a window's heat flow). On average, U-Factor values range from 0.25 to 1.25. Even better, save energy and dollars by sealing air leaks around existing windows and doors with caulk.

• Andersen's 400 Series windows feature dual-pane glass with an argon chamber for added insulation. High-performance low-E4 glass, according to the company, makes the windows up to 41 percent more energy-efficient than standard ( andersenwindows.com).

CABINETRYGreen up your kitchen or bathroom with eco-friendly cabinetry, available in a variety of styles and finishes.

• Made from plywood that is LEED-certified, Greenway Cabinetry Inc.'s Breathe Easy kitchen and bathroom cabinets are formaldehyde-free, and use only water-based glues and low- to no-VOC finishes ( breatheeasycabinetry.com).

KITCHEN & LAUNDRY APPLIANCES• Bosch's 800 Series Evolution dishwasher is equipped with a condensation drying system that eliminates the need for an active drying agent ( boschappliances.com).

• For small kitchens, consider space-saving options such as Fisher & Paykel's Double DishDrawer. You can run one drawer at a time to accommodate smaller loads and minimize energy, water, and detergent usage ( fisherpaykel.com).

FIREPLACESEnergy-efficient fireplaces can supply heat to a room without the electrical costs.

• Lennox Hearth Product's Country Collection stoves (formerly Country Stoves) are EPA Phase II-certified for clean, efficient burning, and are available in wood- and pellet-burning models ( lennoxhearthproducts.com).

• Miles Industries' fireplaces do not require an electrical hook-up to provide energy-efficient radiant heat; remote control and programmable options are also available ( milesfireplaces.com).